Servo Saver Public API

What is the Servo Saver Public API?

The Servo Saver Public API is a service from Service Victoria that provides digital access to fuel price data for all registered service stations across Victoria. It’s a technical tool that allows anyone, from app developers to researchers, to automatically get access and use this fuel information. The main goals of the API are to promote transparency in pricing and support third-party apps and tools that help Victorians save money on fuel costs.

How does the Servo Saver Public API work?

The API allows authorised users to read fuel station details and price data.

1. Authorised access: You must successfully apply and be authorised to receive a unique API Consumer ID. You’ll need this ID to make requests to the API.
   
   
2. Data delay: The Fuel Price data that is displayed is not live or real-time. After fuel retailers submit the data, the information is published. However, there is a 24-hour delay in releasing this data. This delay helps manage sensitive commercial information while still providing a comprehensive dataset for public use.
   
   The 24-hour delayed fuel price dataset will be provided through the Open Data API in JSON format, not as an Excel/CSV extract.
   
   Authorised users can easily import the JSON format data into Excel, Power BI or other tools. Users can convert this data t o CSV or Excel format for analysis.
   
   
3. Read-only: The API is strictly for retrieving data; you cannot use it to submit, modify, or update any information.
   
   
4. Monitored use: Your access is subject to rate limits and the Terms and Acceptable Use policy to ensure fair access for everyone.

Who can use the Servo Saver Public API?

Anyone who completes the application process and, as a result, is authorised by Service Victoria, can use the API. This typically includes:

• App Developers building comparison tools or fuel-saving applications.
• Data Analysts and Researchers studying pricing trends across the state.
• Businesses and Organisations are integrating the fuel price information into their internal systems or reporting.

Will it cost me anything to use this service?

No, the Servo Saver Public API is free to use. As an open data initiative from the Victorian Government, the API is designed to provide the public with transparent access to fuel price information. While the data itself is free, you must still complete the free application process to receive your API Consumer ID.

Access and authorisation

How do I gain access to the Servo Saver Public API?

To get access, you need to complete the application requesting access to the Servo Saver Public API. Once your request is reviewed and authorised, you’ll be provided with your API Consumer ID (API Key) and the necessary API documentation to get started.

Apply for Servo Saver Public API

How soon will you respond to my access request?

We’ll try to get back in touch within 7 business days.

Do I need an API key?

Yes. Access to the API is controlled by an API Consumer ID (also called an API Key). You will receive this unique key once your access request is formally authorised.

Can I share my Servo Saver API key with others?

No. Your API key is for your use only. Sharing it with others is a breach of the Terms and Acceptable Use policy and may lead to your access being suspended or permanently revoked. Please keep your key secure.

What happens if my API access is revoked?

If your access is revoked, you will no longer be able to retrieve data from the API. If you believe this was done in error, or to regain access, please contact the production team at fuel.program@service.vic.gov.au to discuss the requirements for reinstatement.

Data access and usage

Can I use the Servo Saver open API for commercial purposes?

While commercial use is allowed, the Servo Saver Public API Terms and Acceptable Use Policy governs your activities and requires you to:

• Provide clear attribution: You must clearly acknowledge Service Victoria as the source of the fuel price data in your product.
• Avoid misrepresentation: You must not imply that the Victorian Government endorses, supports, or certifies your specific product or service.
• Comply with policy: You must follow all other rules outlined in the Terms, particularly those relating to not modifying the raw data you receive, and adherence to the set rate limits.

Can I redistribute, modify, or use the Servo Saver Open API for commercial purposes?

Commercial use is generally supported (as the API is designed to aid third-party innovation).

However, you must not modify the API data before publishing it, and the terms specifically state that datasets accessed through APIs are an exception to the general rule about not sharing material. This means:

• You can redistribute the fuel price dataset you get from the API to your end-users (like in a mobile app)
• You must not modify the data before presenting it
• You must refer to the Servo Saver Public API Terms and Acceptable Use Policy for all specific rules regarding how you can use the data, including any restrictions on modification or redistribution.

Rate limits and quotas

Is there a rate limit on Servo Saver API requests?

Yes. The Servo Saver Public API uses rate limits and quotas.

These limits control the number of requests you can make within a certain period of time (e.g., per minute or per day). These limits are necessary to protect the service from being overwhelmed and ensure that all authorised users have fair and consistent access to the data.

Note: The specific request limit numbers will be detailed in the full API documentation you receive upon authorisation.

What happens if I exceed the rate limit?

If your application exceeds the set rate limit, the API will temporarily stop processing your requests.

1. Error Code: You will typically receive an error message with an HTTP status code of 429 ("Too Many Requests").
2. Request block: The API will block any further requests until the time window for the rate limit is reset (e.g., waiting until the next minute or hour begins).
3. Potential suspension: Repeatedly and significantly exceeding the limits may be considered a breach of the Acceptable Use Policy, which could result in your access being suspended or permanently revoked.

To avoid this, you should design your application to pause or slow down (throttle) its requests when it receives a 429 error.

Can I request a higher quota for production use?

Possibly. If your intended use for a live application genuinely requires a higher volume of requests than the standard quota, you can submit a request for a higher limit (quota increase).

You will need to contact the production team at fuel.program@service.vic.gov.au with a clear business case outlining your high-volume needs, how your application will manage the load and why the standard limit is insufficient. Approval for an increase will be at the discretion of Service Victoria.

How is usage tracked?

Usage is tracked using your unique API Consumer ID (API Key). 

Every request you send to the Servo Saver Public API must include this key, which allows the system to:

• Authenticate you as an authorised user.
• Count your requests against your individual rate limits and quotas.
• Monitor usage for compliance with the Fair Use policy.

This tracking ensures that the limits are applied fairly on a per-user basis.

Support and troubleshooting

Where can I find developer documentation?

Once your access request is approved, you’ll receive the developer onboarding document via email.

You can also learn more in the Servo Saver Open API documentation, below.

Download: Servo Saver Open API Developer Documentation PDF: 567 KB

Servo Saver Open API Terms and Acceptable Use policy

Where can I find the Servo Saver Open API Terms and Acceptable Use Policy?

Read the Servo Saver Open API Terms and Acceptable Use policy.

Contact and feedback

How can I contact the Servo Saver Open API support team?

To get in touch with the Servo Saver Open API support team, send an email to the production team at fuel.program@service.vic.gov.au.

How can I give feedback about the Servo Saver Open API?

We welcome your feedback. You can contact us to share your suggestions or report technical issues with the Servo Saver Open API.